CalmWaves: Brain Health and Performance Dallas Cowan and Dr. Doug Cowan

Summary



Andy Vickers shares his journey from being a professional wakeboarder to experiencing burnout and depression, and eventually finding healing and purpose. He discusses the importance of relationships and the support he received during his recovery. Andy also talks about his current endeavors, including training for endurance races and his nonprofit organization, the Keep Going Foundation. He emphasizes the role of faith in his journey and how surrendering to God's plan has brought him peace and a heart to serve others. In this conversation, Andy Vickers shares his personal journey of overcoming struggles and finding purpose. He emphasizes the importance of staying in a posture of submission and letting God carry the burdens. Andy also discusses the significance of human capital in business success and the role of effective leadership. He shares his positive experience using the Calm Box and how it has improved his cognitive function and sleep. Lastly, Andy highlights the impact of mindset on performance and the importance of focusing on potential and reducing interferences.

Link to CalmBox: https://www.calmwaves.com/calmbox

Link to follow Andy: https://www.instagram.com/keep.going.andy/



Takeaways



Burnout and mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their achievements or success.

Rebuilding relationships and surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial for recovery.

Finding a purpose bigger than yourself can be a motivating factor in overcoming challenges.

Faith and surrendering to God's plan can bring healing and a renewed sense of purpose. Stay in a posture of submission and let God carry your burdens.

Human capital is crucial for the success of any organization.

The CalmBox can improve cognitive function and promote better sleep.

Mindset plays a significant role in performance, and reducing interferences can lead to peak performance.



Chapters



00:00 Introduction and Origin Story

04:03 Struggles and Burnout

07:34 Recovery and Restarting

11:43 Rebuilding Relationships

16:02 Current Endeavors

24:13 Spiritual Journey

28:06 Reflection on Difficult Times

30:05 Lessons from Personal Struggles

33:24 The Importance of Human Capital in Business

38:24 The Benefits of Using the Calm Box

50:19 The Impact of Mindset on Performance

55:19 How to Connect with Andy Vickers

Summary

In this episode, Dallas interviews Rick Sessinghaus from Flowcode (https://theflowcode.com/golf-academy/), a mental performance coach. They discuss the importance of mental performance in various aspects of life, including sports and daily life. Rick shares his journey into this profession and how he helps athletes and coaches improve their performance. They also talk about the concept of flow state and how to achieve it. They emphasize the importance of being present, finding passion, and understanding one's motivation. In this conversation, Dallas and Rick discuss the importance of curiosity and how it can enhance performance. They explore the connection between physical and mental fatigue in sports, and the need to manage both effectively. They also discuss the mental aspects of golf and what separates amateurs from professionals. The conversation highlights the role of gratitude in improving both the golf game and life. They also touch on the potential of brain tech and tools to enhance cognitive performance and help athletes overcome external factors and stresses. Rick shares his approach to working with clients and the importance of finding the right fit.



Takeaways


Rick Sessinghaus is a mental performance coach who helps athletes and coaches improve their performance.
Mental performance is important not only in sports but also in daily life.
Flow state is a state of optimal performance where individuals are fully immersed and focused on the task at hand.
To achieve flow state, it is important to be present, find passion, and understand one's motivation. Curiosity is a key trait that can enhance performance in any field.
Managing both physical and mental fatigue is crucial for optimal performance in sports.
Gratitude is a powerful tool that can improve both golf game and life.
Brain tech and tools have the potential to enhance cognitive performance and help athletes overcome external factors and stresses.



Chapters



00:00 Introduction and Background

02:35 Getting into Mental Performance Coaching

03:28 The Mental Game in Different Sports

04:55 The Gap in Mental Game Coaching

06:22 Transition to Mental Performance Coaching

07:47 The Importance of Playing Lessons

09:41 Pursuing a Master's and Doctorate in Applied Sports Psychology

11:02 Learning to Manage Anger and Frustration

13:24 The Power of Curiosity over Criticism

15:10 Post-Round and Post-Performance Routines

19:58 Motivation and Intrinsic Rewards

22:10 Finding Passion and Purpose

24:42 The Joy of Helping Others Succeed

27:07 The Power of Curiosity

27:41 Identifying the Performance Gap

28:13 Filling the Gap with Mental Skills

28:41 Interference Equals Result or Performance

29:18 The Importance of Mental and Emotional Skills

29:46 Training Mental Skills

30:15 Physical and Mental Fatigue

30:45 Recovery Skills

31:15 The Mental Warfare in Golf

31:40 Heart Rate and Recovery Skills

32:23 The Impact of Mental and Emotional State on Performance

32:34 The Equation of Interference and Performance

33:22 Differentiating Nervousness and Excitement

33:53 The Mental Game and State Management

34:24 The Role of Gratitude in Golf and Life

35:15 Playing Within Your Skillset

36:08 Making Better Decisions on the Golf Course

37:13 The Difference Between College, Amateur, and Pro Golfers

38:33 The Foundation for Improving Golf and Life

39:17 The Hardware and Software of the Brain

40:31 The Future of Mental Performance Training

42:55 The Importance of Gratitude and Journaling

44:13 The Integration of Brain Tech and Mental Performance Training

45:23 The Evolution of Golf Coaching and Mental Performance Training

48:11 The Potential of Virtual Reality and AI in Mental Performance Training

49:38 The Importance of Motivation and Doing the Work

53:03 How to Connect with Rick Sessinghaus

54:46 The Power of Gratitude in Golf

Keith Holmes shares his journey of helping people and horses through his unique approach to healthcare. He combines bioenergetic testing, direct neurofeedback, and other therapies to support the body and mind. Keith's program aims to provide alternative solutions for clients who have not found success with traditional Western medicine. He also applies direct neurofeedback to horses, helping them overcome anxiety and perform better. Clients have experienced positive results, including reduced anxiety and improved mental health.

In this conversation, Keith Holmes discusses the use of neurofeedback to reduce anxiety and improve mental well-being. He shares a case study where a client was able to apply coping mechanisms and tools more effectively after neurofeedback sessions. Keith also explains the number of sessions and simulations required for noticeable results and the importance of operator comfort and experience.

He highlights the surprising benefits of neurofeedback, such as improved blood pressure and enhanced perception of colors. Keith envisions the technology being used in wellness centers, education, and various therapeutic settings. He also addresses side effects and the future of neurofeedback technology.

Takeaways:


Keith Holmes combines bioenergetic testing, direct neurofeedback, and other therapies to provide alternative healthcare solutions.
Direct neurofeedback has been effective in reducing anxiety and improving mental health in both humans and horses.
Keith's program focuses on addressing the root causes of symptoms rather than just treating the symptoms themselves.
Client experiences with direct neurofeedback have been positive, with noticeable improvements in anxiety levels and overall well-being. Neurofeedback can help reduce anxiety and improve mental well-being by allowing individuals to apply coping mechanisms and tools more effectively.
The number of sessions and simulations required for noticeable results may vary, but consistent sessions can lead to longer-lasting effects.
Operator comfort and experience are important factors in the success of neurofeedback sessions.
Neurofeedback can have surprising benefits, such as stabilizing blood pressure and enhancing the perception of colors.
The technology has potential applications in wellness centers, education, and various therapeutic settings.
Side effects of neurofeedback are generally mild and may include temporary tiredness or increased anxiety.
The future of neurofeedback technology lies in its integration into existing healthcare practices and the development of sustainable business models.
Word of mouth and client testimonials are powerful tools for promoting the benefits of neurofeedback.

Chapters


00:00Introduction and Background
01:33 Helping Horses' Brains
08:04 Bioenergetic Testing and Quest
10:27 Adding Direct Neurofeedback to the Program
24:45 Client Experiences with Direct Neurofeedback
26:12 Reducing Anxiety and Applying Coping Mechanisms
27:33 Number of Sessions and Simulations
29:41 Operator Comfort and Experience
30:45 Surprising Results and Benefits
33:12 Potential Applications in Wellness Centers and Education
36:35 Side Effects and Overstimulation
38:51 Future of Neurofeedback Technology
41:01 Improving Academic Performance and Therapist Response
44:09 Sustainable Business Model and Word of Mouth
46:55 Contact Information and Conclusion

Summary



In this episode, host Dallas Cowan interviews Justin Foster, an expert in neurocognitive training and brain performance. They discuss the evolution of mental performance, the relationship between mental performance, neurocognitive training, and brain performance, and the implementation of neurocognitive training in organizations. They also explore the future of brain performance and the importance of data-driven approaches. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of training the mind and body together to unleash one's potential and improve performance in various contexts.



Takeaways



Mental performance has evolved to include data-driven training and objective feedback, which allows for more effective assessment and progress tracking.

Neurocognitive training focuses on training the way athletes see, decide, and execute, incorporating sports vision training and perceptual-cognitive training.

Brain performance is crucial for optimal performance and involves factors such as sleep, nutrition, and emotional regulation.

Implementing neurocognitive training can be done through specialized facilities, integrating it into physical training, or working one-on-one with individuals.

The future of brain performance lies in combining mental and physical training, using technology to provide objective feedback, and addressing mental health and wellness alongside performance.



Chapters



00:00 Introduction and Origin Story

10:41 The Evolution of Mental Performance

17:43 Relationship Between Mental Performance, Neurocognitive Training, and Brain Performance

26:59 Implementation of Neurocognitive Training

31:32 The Future of Brain Performance

38:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

The CalmWaves podcast, hosted by Dallas Cowan, features discussions on brain health and performance, focusing on technologies and systems that influence these areas. This episode features Dr. Doug Cowan, who shares his extensive experience and insights into various methods of neurofeedback and their applications in mental health and performance enhancement.




Introduction to Neurofeedback (Start - 01:30): Dr. Doug Cowan shares his initial skepticism and subsequent embrace of neurofeedback for ADHD treatment.


Traditional Neurofeedback Explained (01:30 - 03:48): Dr. Cowan discusses the principles and effectiveness of traditional neurofeedback in clinical settings.


Shift to Direct Neurofeedback (03:48 - 05:51): The transition from traditional to direct neurofeedback and its improved efficacy.


Clinical Applications of Neurofeedback (05:51 - 10:20): Real-world examples of neurofeedback positively impacting mental health treatments.


Cranial Electrical Stimulation (CES) (10:20 - 13:48): Introduction to CES and its role in treating various mental health conditions.


Veterans, PTSD, and Neurofeedback (13:48 - 17:02): Discussion on the benefits of neurofeedback and CES for veterans with PTSD.


Enhancing Athletic Performance (17:02 - 20:02): How CES and neurofeedback can be used to improve focus and performance in athletes.


Comparing EMDR and Neurofeedback (20:02 - 25:18): Dr. Cowan compares the effectiveness of EMDR and neurofeedback in treating trauma.


Success Stories and Case Studies (25:18 - 30:25): Sharing of impactful case studies demonstrating the transformative power of neurofeedback.


Future Prospects and Conclusion (30:25 - End): Insights into the future of neurofeedback and CES in mental health and performance enhancement.



This comprehensive overview provides a detailed account of the key points discussed in the "CalmWaves: Brain Health and Performance" podcast, showcasing the potential and versatility of neurofeedback and CES technologies in various applications.

This episode features host Dallas Cowan and guest Ethan Harris, discussing Ethan's journey from basketball to high jumping and his pursuit of the Olympics:


Introduction (00:01): Dallas introduces Ethan Harris, an Olympic hopeful high jumper, and the focus of the podcast on Ethan's background and journey.


Ethan's Early Sports Career (01:11): Ethan shares his transition from aspiring basketball player to discovering his talent in high jumping.


Facing Rejection and Pivoting Sports (03:06): Ethan discusses dealing with rejection in basketball and how it led him to track and field.


First Success in High Jump (05:24): Ethan describes his unexpected success in high jumping, leading to his decision to take it seriously.


Becoming a National Champion (07:10): Ethan recalls his journey to becoming a national champion in high jumping.


Training for the Olympics (08:18): Discussion on the challenges and standards of Olympic-level high jumping.


Mindset and Preparation (10:02): Ethan talks about his mental approach to competitions and overcoming challenges.


Transition to Grand Canyon University (14:14): Ethan shares his decision to transfer to GCU for growth and spiritual opportunities.


Prioritizing Faith in Sports (16:12): The conversation shifts to balancing athletics with faith and starting a Bible study group.


Ethan's Journey at GCU (19:08): Ethan discusses his experiences and growth during his time at GCU.


Post-Collegiate Training Challenges (25:12): Ethan talks about the challenges he faced after his collegiate career, including training and dealing with injuries.


Olympic Trials Experience (33:08): Ethan shares his experience at the Olympic trials and the emotional journey surrounding it.


Post-Trials Reflection and Growth (40:24): Ethan reflects on his journey after the trials, focusing on personal growth and his relationship with God.


Continuing High Jump and Career Decisions (48:12): Discussion on Ethan's decision to continue high jumping and balancing it with work commitments.


Productivity and Training Insights (01:01:17): Ethan talks about his approach to training and productivity, especially with a full-time job.



The podcast provides a comprehensive look at Ethan Harris's sports career, his struggles, achievements, and how he balances his athletic pursuits with his personal growth and faith.